Distance: ~ 12 miles
Time: ~ 7-8 hours round trip
Elevation Gain: ~ 4000 ft
Difficulty: 7/10 Intermediate to Advanced
Icehouse Saddle 7555'
Cucamonga Peak 8859'
Trailhead 4900'

It will be my sixth trip to Cucamonga Peak and this is one of my favorite destinations in the area. If you want to challenge yourself but are afraid to sign up because of the pace the group is going this is a perfect group for you, SLOW-POKE pace.

This is one of the very best hikes and peaks in the San Gabriels. Most of the trek lies within the Cucamonga Wilderness — 12,781 acres of pristine high country dominated by 8,000-foot peaks, deep canyons, and rich conifer forest.

Throughout the hike there is a great feeling of isolation and wilderness as the surrounding canyon walls and lofty mountains block from view most of the trappings of civilization.

Then when you reach the grand climax of the trip, Cucamonga Peak (8859'), an astonishing vista of the human sprawl unfolds before your eyes. The peak stands closer to the vast inland population than any other high summit in the San Gabriels. And the south-facing slopes drop off in dramatic relief, providing breathing-taking scenery.

Getting to the Trailhead:

From the new 210 Freeway extension, driving east: Exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Turn left on Baseline. In one block turn right unto Padua Avenue. In 1.7 miles turn right onto Mt. Baldy Road (stop sign). After 7.2 miles you pass the Angles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center in Mt. Baldy Village. You can get a Forest Adventure Pass and wilderness permit here. Continue 1.5 miles to the Icehouse Canyon entrance. Turn right and park in the large parking area.

From the new 210 Freeway extension, driving west: In Upland, exit Mountain Ave./Mt. Baldy Exit, Exit 54. Turn right and proceed north on Mountain Ave. Drive 5 miles to Mt. Baldy Road. Turn right (north) and after 5 miles you pass the Angles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center in Mt. Baldy Village. You can get a Forest Adventure Pass and wilderness permit here. Continue 1.5 miles to the Icehouse Canyon entrance. Turn right and park in the large parking area.

The trail starts at the east end of the parking lot , just to the right of the ruins to the old Icehouse Canyon Resort. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking.